How to use a linguistically diverse wedding MC and coordinator
A practical guide for wedding couples Pt.1
Foreword
This post is designed to enhance the wedding couple (who will be referred to as ‘the Clients’ from here onwards) understanding of how to use a linguistically diverse wedding MC and coordinator (simplified as ‘the MC’). It presents an overview of what a MC can do, incorporating not only the MC’s responsibility to the clients, but also to the venue, other vendors and the Client’s guests. It offers suggestions of what a wedding MC can provide the clients and traces the relationship between the clients and MC from first meetings through the run of the wedding ceremony and/or reception. These guidelines are in no way meant to be proscriptive, but simply to enhance the rich possibilities of collaboration between the MC and clients.
Introduction
“Her attention to detail is second to none, Nikki can run a function flawlessly from start to finish. She co-ordinates with the suppliers to make sure key moments are never missed.” Mark Dayman, Wedding Photographer. “Nikki is everything a celebrant needs in a translator; thorough, thoughtful, responsive and friendly. Nikki presents beautifully on the day and is great to work with!” Naomi Korolew, Marriage Celebrant.
“Many of our guests have since commented on how well the speeches went and how the speeches still maintained their warmth and meaning and avoided being lost in translation.” Jarrod & Silvia, wedding clients. “Nikki is very experienced and knowledgeable about hosting events, how to get guests involved and excited, and her adaptability made the evening appear flawless even when there were changes on the fly.” Long and Janice, wedding clients.
A wedding celebration requires a team: the couple, celebrant or pastor, planner, coordinators, caterers, designers, entertainers, photographers and videographers. Just as the planner, celebrant or photographer is in willing collaborative service to the overall vision of the Client, so is the wedding MC.
The role of the wedding MC has not, however, been as well defined as that of other specialists. In addition, this role has been changing over the past several decades for a number of reasons. Weddings are no longer always ruled by the parents, but by what is appropriate to the vision of the couple. The increasing number of personalised weddings and themes are trending as Millennials couples are ‘more familiar with what is important to them when planning their big day - personalisation, uniqueness and creative experiences that will “wow” their guests’, says Beth Gerstein, co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Earth at an interview with Jeff Fromm from Forbes. A lot of Millennials couples are also planning their own weddings and may not always engage in planners. Australia is a cultural melting pot where many cross-cultural lovers met and are tying the knot, and with the unique landscape and wineries in Australia, as well as its convenient geographical position to the Asian countries, these have made Australia a desirable place to celebrate international elopement weddings. More couples need assistance with navigating cultural practices and languages in Australia, in order to achieve an assimilated, memorable and unique wedding celebration. At various times, the Client’s attention may not be focused on the complex logistics or schedule, but on the guest-list, design or conceptual elements of the wedding.
Many elements affect the way in which the MC can be used. Budget, of course, may limit the MC’s time. The wedding concept, venue size and location, specific program, translation needs, number of suppliers or helpers and their level of expertise, may all affect the MC’s way of working. Design elements, the size of the venue, or the use of the space may alter how the MC approaches the task.
The MC's goal is to enhance the atmosphere of the wedding celebration. The MC can provide schedule and logistic expertise, research information on cultural practice, gather information from the family members and assistance in bringing the optimum performance out of the suppliers or helpers. The MC is also able to contribute ideas of what else is possible and ways to help the Clients achieve that. Pride in accomplishment is in the act of collaboration: to support the Clients by bringing out the best in everyone involved in the wedding in relation to the design, concept, space and cultural elements.
What Can a MC Do for You?
To be continued.